Gmail Keyboard Shortcuts: 26 Essentials and Free PDF

The Gmail shortcuts that save the most time: Ctrl + Enter to send, E to archive, R to reply and / to jump into search. Most single-key shortcuts only work after you turn on keyboard shortcuts in Gmail's settings, the steps are right below. All 26 come from Google's official list for Gmail on the web, with the Mac versions at the end.

Turn them on first

In Gmail, click Settings, then See all settings. Scroll to Keyboard shortcuts, select Keyboard shortcuts on and click Save Changes at the bottom. Shortcuts with Ctrl work without this step.

Write & send

• C - Compose
• Ctrl + Enter - Send
• R - Reply
• A - Reply all
• F - Forward
• Ctrl + K - Insert a link
• Ctrl + Shift + C - Add Cc recipients
• Ctrl + Shift + B - Add Bcc recipients

Clear the inbox

• E - Archive
• # - Delete
• Shift + I - Mark as read
• Shift + U - Mark as unread
• S - Star
• M - Mute conversation
• ! - Report as spam
• Z - Undo last action

Navigate

• G + I - Go to Inbox
• G + T - Go to Sent
• / - Search mail
• K - Newer conversation
• J - Older conversation
• X - Select conversation

For G + I, press G, let go, then press I.

Format while writing

• Ctrl + B - Bold
• Ctrl + I - Italics
• Ctrl + Shift + 8 - Bulleted list
• Ctrl + Shift + 7 - Numbered list

Mac

• Cmd + Enter - Send
• Cmd + K - Insert a link
• Cmd + Shift + C - Add Cc recipients
• Cmd + Shift + B - Add Bcc recipients
• Cmd + B - Bold
• Cmd + I - Italics
• Cmd + Shift + 8 - Bulleted list
• Cmd + Shift + 7 - Numbered list

Single-key shortcuts like E, R or / are the same on a Mac.

Pro tip

Start with E and Ctrl + Enter. Archive what's done, send without reaching for the mouse. Type ? in Gmail any time to see the full list. Shortcuts for your whole computer are on the Windows shortcuts sheet.

FAQ

Why don't my Gmail keyboard shortcuts work?

Most single-key shortcuts, like E to archive or R to reply, only work after you turn them on. Go to Settings, See all settings, select Keyboard shortcuts on and save. Shortcuts with Ctrl work without that.

What is the shortcut to archive in Gmail?

E, once keyboard shortcuts are turned on.

How do I see all Gmail shortcuts?

Type ? while Gmail is open. Google shows the full list.

Do Gmail shortcuts work on a Mac?

Yes. Use Cmd wherever the PC version uses Ctrl. Single-key shortcuts stay the same.

Next step

Shortcuts save clicks. Touch typing saves time on every email you write. Measure your typing speed in one minute, then see how the touch typing guide closes the gap.

Matching sheets

On Outlook instead? Here are the Outlook keyboard shortcuts. Writing documents in Google's world? See the Google Docs keyboard shortcuts.

Sources

• Google Gmail Help: Keyboard shortcuts for Gmail - includes the steps to turn shortcuts on.